Stitches East

Oh, my. I went to Stitches East in Hartford, CT this weekend (10/30 - 10/31). Everything I ever heard about it is true. It's overwhelming in the beginning. I met my friend around 10am on Sat. the 30th. We planned to just shop on Sat., and take classes on Sunday. We walk into the market place in the Hartford convention center and just see rows and rows of vendors. Felt like a million, but, was 200. We started in the middle since most of the crowd went to the right. We didn't even make it out of the first aisle and my friend already had a purchase of red and purple variegated yarn to make Doris Chan's Irish Mist Stole for her mother for Christmas. Good purchase though and unique enough to break the rule we had set - no purchases until at least one lap is done. Still, it's too funny that we broke the rule about 15 minutes into the shopping experience. Did 2 more aisles and then decided to take a quick break. Talked a little about what we might actually be looking for. Thank goodness I came up with a list of things I'm interested in making so I could focus at least a little bit.

Next stop and purchase Tess Designer Yarns. We both got microribbon. I got a light gray and she got a pretty variegated for a baby. My ribbon is earmarked for the wavy ribbon scarf and hers for a baby kimono.

After that things get fuzzy, but, needless to say purchases were made. I got yarn for the sweet pea shawl by Amie Hirtes, Mr. Green Jeans by Amy Swenson, in Knitty Fall 07, Chrysanthemum Tea Shawl by Doris Chan. More than enough to keep me busy as if I didn't already have plenty to keep me busy already.

Day 2 the 31st. I attended two classes. Breathtaking Buttonholes and Buttonbands. It was given by Maureen Mason-Jamieson. Her website is: http://www.kinverknits.com/. Excellent lesson on the various types of buttonholes and how to make sure the buttonband doesn't 'scoop'. I love having a chance to sit and practice. I'm definitely keeping the swatch so I can see the buttonholes again and pick the right one for the project I'm working on.

2nd class Mosaic Knitting with Melissa Leapman. Mosaic knitting is a technique that uses slipped stitches to create two (or more) colors on a piece without having to carry the yarn. Plenty of time to practice and am glad I have knowledge that technique. Don't have a plan for it yet, but, I will.

Great time. Defintely overwhelming. If you go, I suggest coming with at least a few ideas of what you want to make or buy or you easily may end up spending way too much. Also, try to go through the marketplace at least once without buying anything. Make notes on where you found things you liked, compare prices. Someone was telling me they found the same yarn at another vendor for $10.00 less than the first time they saw it.

Good classes, but, the classes are crowded.